Newbie to selling

[elavani2014]

Just wondering how long it took sellers to sell their first few items when starting out?  (I guess its like asking how long is a piece of string!)  Am selling mens / womens rings (titanium, ceramic, stainless steel, tungsten) and have been getting consistent views but no sales as yet.  I know I'm competing against alot in the same arena but would be interested to know how it was for others (especially if selling jewellery etc).  Any constructive feedback / advice would be appreciated.

[curraone]

Don't know much about jewellery so won't be any help -  first impression of your listings is very nice, clear photos and clean description.   Perhaps just a matter of time.

One thing you might consider is that people are reluctant to buy from a 0 feedback seller - so most of us when starting out bought a few minor things, so get feedback on the board.

[elavani2014]

Thanks curraone - I thought 0 feedback might be a bit of a put-off - good excuse to go buy something anyway (as if I need it!)  🙂

[kopenhagen5]

The only addition I would suggest is if they are not made in China to mention where they are made.

Especially if they are Australian made.

Buyers are now so wary of Chinese made stuff. Looks great in the pictures but nothing like it in real.

[digital*ghost]

I started out selling clothes but gradually built my own jewellery brand that ultimately took over the clothing (now expanded to craft supplies as well, but the jewellery still does well).

Your photos are good and your descriptions are exemplary, so I don't think either of those are the cause of any issues. 

The one thing I would mention is the clause in your return policy - most (if not all) buyers baulk at the notion of being out of pocket for a product fault, and if they open a case via eBay for item not as described, you will be held responsible for the return postage despite what the policy says. 

I personally cover all costs for faulty items and their return, but I also accept change of mind returns and in those cases, the buyer is responsible for return costs and only a refund of the product price is issued (I don't do free post, not viable for my store). People will expect an immediate refund on return (that is, issued as soon as you receive it back), so up to 10 days to process may also put some buyers off a bit.

In general, the best advice I can give you for selling jewellery is branding and variety.

Variety in terms of the kinds of items and options for the same items that you offer, which will help with creating broader appeal and cross-promotion (so that refers to the extent of your range), and branding in terms of people will have a good idea what they'll find when they look you up (and that refers more to style). 

[elavani2014]

Thanks digital*ghost - will definitely take onboard what you have said, esp around the returns policy.

[elavani2014]

Thanks kopenhagen5 - have found a couple of good overseas suppliers (not from China) and very happy with quality of their products so far. 

[dithommo]

To answer your question how long before first sale, my very first sale was made within hours with a a buy it now price that I really did not think I would get.

My latest sale was also a buy it now price within a couple of hours of posting.

However I still have dozens of items with no sale.

On average I usually have posted for 2 or 3 relists before a sale.